Saints trio told they can leave

Southampton manager Nigel Adkins has told Lee Barnard, Ryan Dickson and Jonathan Forte that they can leave the newly-promoted south coast club.

Adkins said there had been plenty of interest in all three players. Dickson, 25, a defender, spent much of last season on loan to League One Leyton Orient, while 26-year-old forward Forte did the same at Notts County.

Barnard joined the Saints on a free transfer from Southend in 2010, but the 28-year-old is now surplus to requirements at St Mary's.

"It's fair to say that [they can leave],'' Adkins told BBC Radio Solent. "There has been interest in them because they are of good quality.

"They are fit, but they need to play football as well, so everyone is working very hard to create a win, win situation. I'd imagine as the month progresses something more concrete will materialise."